Kirmes Wettringen

The Village Fair in Western Münsterland

The Kirmes Wettringen is one of those Volksfeste that shape rural Westphalia – not a major event, but a neighbourhood festival that has grown over generations. Wettringen is located in the Steinfurt district, about 15 kilometres north of Rheine, on the Vechte river. With around 8,000 inhabitants, Wettringen is typically Münsterland: a brick church, surrounding farming communities, a village centre with a market square and church. It is precisely here, on the village square, that the Kirmes sets up camp once a year.

Date 2026: Expected August 7–10

Traditionally, the Kirmes runs on the second weekend in August, from Friday to Monday. For 2026, August 7th to 10th is therefore the expected date. Final confirmation will be provided a few weeks in advance by the municipality of Wettringen (wettringen.de) and the Hotel Zur Post.

What to Expect

The Kirmes is set up in the classic Low German style:

• Rides: Chain carousel, dodgems, children's carousel, Ferris wheel, or a smaller looping coaster (depending on the showman's offerings)
• Food stalls: Bratwurst, fries, potato pancakes, crêpes, candied almonds, candy apples
• Game booths, shooting galleries, skill games
• Marquee evenings in and in front of the Hotel „Zur Post“ (dancing, live music, draft beer) – traditionally on Saturday and Monday

Monday: Family Day

Monday is the classic family day. Carousels run at reduced prices, children get special offers, and families gather on the fairground in the afternoon. In the evening, there's marquee atmosphere again – on Tuesday morning, the showmen's caravan packs up.

Embedded in Münsterland's Festival Culture

Wettringen is located in the Steinfurt district, a region with a dense club and festival culture. Schützenfeste (marksmen's festivals), May Day festivals, harvest festivals, and indeed the annual village Kirmes set the rhythm of community life. For visitors from outside, the Wettringen Kirmes is a great opportunity to experience an authentic Westphalian village festival – without touristy staging.

St. Petronilla and the Village Centre

In the background of the Kirmes stands the Catholic parish church of St. Petronilla, Wettringen's landmark. The late Gothic brick church from the 15th century characterises the village centre. The village square in front of it – with a fountain, old linden trees, and the Hotel Zur Post – is a community meeting point all year round. During the Kirmes, it becomes the stage for the community.